After testing positive for the BRCA gene in 2011, oncology nurse Kelly Boling at Research Medical Center – like Angelina Jolie - underwent a mastectomy and had her ovaries removed – a move that her doctor...

Mucormycosis

Definition

Mucormycosis is an infection that can affect the sinuses, brain, lungs, and sometimes the skin. It is a serious infection that can be fatal.

Causes

Mucormycosis is caused by a fungus that is often found in soil, decaying plants or wood, and compost piles. The fungus enters the body through cuts or scrapes in the skin or by being inhaled into the sinuses and airways. Once in the body, the fungus can spread rapidly and quickly become fatal.

A healthy immune system can often manage the fungus and eliminate it before problems begin. However, the fungus can grow and cause severe damage if the body does not have a strong immune system.

Risk Factors

A weakened immune system increases your chance of mucormycosis. Conditions or treatments that weaken your immune system include:

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the location of the infection. Inhaled mucormycosis may lead to:

Fever

Facial pain

Swollen or protruding eyes

Redness of the skin over the sinuses

Cough; occasionally coughing up blood

Shortness of breath

Abdominal pain

Vomiting blood

Pain in the side between the upper abdomen and the back

An infection in the skin may start with blisters or sores around the skin wound. The skin tissue may later be tender, red, swollen, and turn black.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A sample of the infected tissue will be taken and examined in a lab.

A
CT scan
or
MRI scan
may be done to look for damage to internal structures.

Treatment

Mucormycosis is a very serious infection and requires aggressive treatment, including surgery to remove dead tissue. Early treatment can lead to better outcomes. Antifungal medication is started as soon as possible. It may be given as a pill or by IV.

Prevention

The fungus that causes this infection is found in many places. Avoiding contact with it is difficult.

The best preventative step is to control or prevent the conditions that make you vulnerable to mucormycosis.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.